MERSEYRAIL guard Christopher McGee who was jailed for causing the death of a teenager will lodge an appeal against his sentence, his family has revealed.

Court snatch of Merseyrail guard Christopher McGee, who is facing charges of manslaughter in relation to the death of teenager Georgia Varley at James Street station, leaving Liverpool Magistrates Court

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MERSEYRAIL guard Christopher McGee who was jailed for causing the death of a teenager will lodge an appeal against his sentence, his family has revealed.

Christopher McGee, 45, was handed a five-year sentence in November after he was convicted of manslaughter by gross negligence.

He was on duty when 16- year-old Georgia Varley fell under a train at James Street station in October, 2011.

The Wirral teen was killed instantly. The judge overseeing McGee’s trial, Mr Justice Holroyde, said he had shown "an appalling disregard for her safety".

But McGee’s younger sister, Lisa Griffiths, said he had begun the process to appeal against his sentence. She told the ECHO: "He has signed the papers and we are now waiting on his solicitor to complete her side of things.

"We haven’t had a date through yet, but expect the hearing to be in London. The family will be going down to support him."

McGee, of Wallasey, must first get permission to appeal against his sentence from the Criminal Appeal Office before papers are officially lodged with the Court of Appeal.

Lisa added: "We are very grateful to everyone who has supported Chris.

"We’ve had a huge number of cards sent to us which we have passed on to him. He is very touched by it."

Georgia had been celebrating her friend’s 18th birthday at a house party in Hoylake before getting the last train from West Kirby to Liverpool and was "very drunk".

She got off a stop too early and CCTV played in court showed her leaning against the carriage window when McGee gave the signal for the train to leave, before she then stumbled and fell to her death.

After he was jailed, McGee’s family said he was "a broken man" and was suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

They added: "We would like to express our sincere and heartfelt condolences to Georgia’s family and friends.

"We are truly sorry for their loss.

"We maintain that a catalogue of errors, from several sources, contributed significantly to the tragic events on October 22, 2011.

"Chris has been portrayed as uncaring, dishonest and unremorseful. This is both untrue and unfair.

"He was, and remains, deeply traumatised by the whole experience."

An online petition, called Free Chris McGee, was also set up by McGee’s supporters and has collected more than 3,500 signatures so far.

Georgia was described by mum Paula Redmond as "a wonderful, amazing daughter."

The grieving mum added: "She was such a lovely, polite, respectful young lady who was popular and full of fun and laughter and an absolute joy to be around.

"Everybody who knew Georgia, of which there were many, absolutely loved her because of these and so many other qualities.

"Christopher McGee will complete his sentence and return to his family. Mine is now gone forever."